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Subjects

Abstract

Spinal sensorimotor networks that are functionally disconnected from the brain because of spinal cord injury (SCI) can be facilitated via epidural electrical stimulation (EES) to restore robust, coordinated motor activity in humans with paralysis1,2,3. Previously, we reported a clinical case of complete sensorimotor paralysis of the lower extremities in which EES restored the ability to stand and the ability to control step-like activity while side-lying or suspended vertically in a body-weight support system (BWS)4. Since then, dynamic task-specific training in the presence of EES, termed multimodal rehabilitation (MMR), was performed for 43 weeks and resulted in bilateral stepping on a treadmill, independent from trainer assistance or BWS. Additionally, MMR enabled independent stepping over ground while using a front-wheeled walker with trainer assistance at the hips to maintain balance. Furthermore, MMR engaged sensorimotor networks to achieve dynamic performance of standing and stepping. To our knowledge, this is the first report of independent stepping enabled by task-specific training in the presence of EES by a human with complete loss of lower extremity sensorimotor function due to SCI.

Additional information

Change history

23 October 2018

In the version of this article originally published, Dimitry G. Sayenko’s affiliations were not correct. The following affiliation for this author was missing: Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Neuroregeneration, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA. This affiliation has been added for the author, and the rest of the affiliations have been renumbered accordingly. The error has been corrected in the HTML and PDF versions of this article.

Acknowledgements

We thank the participant for his time, effort, and continuous feedback throughout the study. We also thank C. Blaha, J. Chen, B. Cloud, T. Gardner, D. Hare, Y. Li, A. Mendez, C. Mitrovich, A. Schmeling, T. Scrabeck, M. Shaft, C. Stoppel, B. Wessel, and L. Zoecklein as well as the surgical team for their support during EES system implantation. K.H.L. received funding from The Grainger Foundation. K.H.L. and K.D.Z. received funding from the Jack Jablonski Bel13ve in Miracles Foundation, Mayo Clinic Rehabilitation Medicine Research Center, Mayo Clinic Transform the Practice, and Craig H. Neilsen Foundation. P.J.G. was supported by Regenerative Medicine Minnesota and the Mayo Clinic Center for Regenerative Medicine. J.S.C. was supported by the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. V.R.E. received funding from the Dana and Albert R. Broccoli Charitable Foundation, the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation, and the Walkabout Foundation.

Competing interests

V.R.E. and Y.G. are shareholders in NeuroRecovery Technologies and hold inventorship rights on intellectual property licensed by the regents of the University of California to NeuroRecovery Technologies and its subsidiaries. K.H.L. previously served as a consultant to Medtronic’s Department of Technology Development focused on deep brain stimulation.